VSRJ

I'd actually prefer a parking lot over a 1- or 2-story building. A parking lot is much easier to build over whereas a building would "lock in" the parcel for a longer period of time (too much work to raze a brand new building). Actually, let's just bring back Joe's Crab Shack (or better yet, Landry's!).

The height is nice, but overall it's such a bland building. I agree that lighting and/or signage would add something. I hope the day comes when more developers/designers think outside the box — literally and figuratively.

Posting this here in addition to the Liberty Park thread since it also involves FedEx Forum. Bill Lee plans $350M for FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium https://dailymemphian.com/section/metro/article/34013/memphis-fedexforum-simmons-bank-liberty-bowl-350-million-bill-lee

Great news! Bill Lee plans $350M for FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium https://dailymemphian.com/section/metro/article/34013/memphis-fedexforum-simmons-bank-liberty-bowl-350-million-bill-lee

I can't read the full article, but the headline alone is depressing: With Grand Hyatt paused, parking lot to take its place Carlisle Development filed plans to build a temporary surface parking lot at the proposed Grand Hyatt site at One Beale. https://dailymemphian.com/section/neighborhoods/article/33995/memphis-grand-hyatt-on-pause-parking-lot-planned

Exciting developments in the works for MEM - hopefully they can win some of this funding: Memphis International Airport (MEM) seeks $30M in federal funding for terminal renovations https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2023/02/01/mem-seeks-federal-funding-for-terminal-upgrades.html

From the St. Jude website (originally posted in July 2022): https://www.stjude.org/media-resources/news-releases/2022-medicine-science-news/st-jude-announces-expansion-of-strategic-plan-targeting-pediatric-catastrophic-diseases.html St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital announces expansion of its strategic plan to target pediatric catastrophic diseases View of future Outpatient Clinic and Clinical Office Building from Route I-40 Six-year plan will now commit $12.9 billion to support 2,300 jobs, among other priorities Following a promising first year of its 2022–27 strategic plan, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is increasing its investment in programs to advance the study and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The growth includes an additional $1.4 billion to the institution’s six-year operating and capital budget, bringing the total to $12.9 billion. The expansion also encompasses raising the number of new jobs from 1,400 to 2,300; and increasing funds for construction, renovation and capital needs from $1.9 billion to $2.3 billion. The plan, which started July 1, 2021, marked the institution’s largest strategic expansion in its 60-year history. The new funding will affect scientific operations, clinical care, global medicine and infrastructure. “Even before last year’s strategic plan launch, we began to explore the possibility of further expanding the budget and staffing numbers,” said James R. Downing, M.D., St. Jude president and CEO. “Working with internal and external subject-matter experts, we developed a proposal for opportunities where a larger investment would help accelerate research and treatment for childhood catastrophic diseases. With these increases, we are better positioned to build on the outlined plan, as well as capitalize on emerging technologies and discoveries.” The addendum to the budget and employee figures will be used to strengthen the following areas. Investment in fundamental science The 2022–27 plan charted initiatives across the fields of structural biology, advanced microscopy and data sciences. These efforts are directed at better defining normal biology and disease states. With this data, researchers will gain valuable insights into why diseases arise, spread or resist treatment. More than $250 million in capital, personal and operating expenses will be allocated to the areas, doubling the current funding. Another $15 million has been dedicated to a large-scale program to explore the structure of protein kinases, bringing total six-year funding for the initiative to $50 million. From this effort, researchers hope to better understand the role of protein kinases, key regulators of cell function, in pediatric cancers and drug resistance. From this work, scientists will glean insights that could be useful in developing new precision therapies. Investment in global childhood cancer care In low- and middle-income countries, pediatric cancer survival rates languish below 20%. In the U.S., however, 80% of U.S. children with the same diseases are cured. A new investment will help researchers improve these statistics. Funding for the global initiatives will grow to $100 million annually by 2024, further supporting St. Jude–established networks around the world. By training doctors, nurses, researchers and other professionals; developing and strengthening health care systems; and advancing knowledge to sustain improvements in how medicine is practiced internationally, the institution seeks to cure 60% of children with six of the most common childhood cancers worldwide during the next decade. This growth is in addition to the $200 million St. Jude committed last year to create a global platform to ensure that children in low- and middle-income countries have access to quality cancer medications. Investment in collaboration The strategic plan outlines funds for collaborative projects among St. Jude and scientists across the U.S. and around the world. To date, St. Jude has supported five teams of researchers who are addressing questions in fundamental biology, pediatric cancer, sickle cell disease and survivorship. Funding will increase to $160 million during the next five years—an increase of nearly $60 million from the original budget. By 2027, St. Jude leadership plans to support a total of 11 collaborations focused on tackling unanswered needs in science and medicine. Investment in the St. Jude campus As St. Jude increases staff and accepts more children for treatment, creating a top workplace and a welcoming home-away-from-home for patients and their families is a major priority. The increased funds will be used to enhance construction projects, including the Domino’s Village, a 140-unit housing facility for patients and their families, and the Family Commons, a treatment-free zone for patients and their families within the hospital. The expansion will also be used for construction of two, 15-story towers dedicated to patient care and clinical research—a project that will cost more than $1 billion. The institution has filed permits with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development to begin the construction process of the two towers. Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. In the years ahead, it’s estimated that 89% of the funds necessary to sustain and grow St. Jude must be raised each year from donations. “The largest financial investment in the 60-year history of St. Jude is thanks to the 12 million donors who support its lifesaving mission,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “Their incredible generosity is fueling research and care that will impact more children worldwide for generations to come.” The expansion follows a year of milestones across five focus areas—fundamental science, pediatric cancer care, childhood catastrophic diseases, global outreach, and workplace and culture. “The heart of the plan—accelerating progress globally—remains the same,” Downing said. “This expansion ensures employees have ample resources and bandwidth to achieve that important goal.”

Very nice! According to Wikipedia, they will be the 13th and 14th tallest buildings in the city, narrowly beating Le Bonheur's tower (251 feet).

NOLA can be a very polarizing city, but something about it is so magnetic — I would move there in a heartbeat if the right opportunity presented itself. Its growth is nowhere near as explosive as Nashville's, but it's exciting to watch the city grow at its own pace.

There doesn't appear to be a retail space large enough, but I would love to see a grocery store or even a small market as a tenant. Grocery options are nearly nonexistent for those living on this side of downtown. DGX is the closest thing we have... Regardless, I'll just be happy to see the greenway reopen.

Interesting move. I’m all for adaptive reuse but it seems like a bit of step down from their previous location.

Seems like hotel/residential will continue to be the major drivers of downtown development. Any additional info in the story for those without a subscription?

Although I wish the Nylon Net building could have been preserved, I think this will blend in with the area well.

The first permit was pulled in early July, so I believe sometime around then.

The Orgels are the closest thing we have: https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2019/03/01/benjamin-orgel-memphis-isnt-on-the-cusp-of.html

Sigh. So close, yet so far. I hope this doesn't turn into Memphis' equivalent of Nashville's Lake Palmer (although something was eventually built on that site).

I like this concept so much more than Storyville.

If there's a will, there's a way when it comes to cramming rides into a land-locked space. See Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and Blackpool Pleasure Beach in England: Heck, even Opryland USA was land-locked.

Coaster enthusiasts unite! I never thought the Zoo would be the place to bring coasters back to Nashville, but it makes sense — just look at Busch Gardens Tampa, SeaWorld, etc. Those are most likely for Dollywood's new-for-2023 Big Bear Mountain coaster (also from Vekoma) under construction: https://www.coaster101.com/2022/12/04/big-bear-mountain-construction-update-december-2022/#:~:text=Big Bear Mountain construction is,I was at the park.

Truly an architectural feat how Haven manages to, despite its size, stick out like a sore thumb, even from afar.

This isn't huge news, but it's a positive sign to see Chase opening physical locations in the area. Should be a good addition to the Highland Strip (one of the locations): Chase Bank plans to open six branches as it enters Memphis market https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2023/01/05/chase-bank-open-first-memphis-branches-expansion.html

This is going to be great — and the first of its kind in the state! MATA's $125M mConnect project scheduled to start construction in 2023 https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2023/01/04/mata-transit-project-scheduled-construction.html

This looks really nice! NCRM plans big renovation, expansion of Legacy Building, redevelopment of Founders Park https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2022/12/22/national-civil-rights-museum-legacy-expansion-plan.html

Of the (admittedly few) developments I hope do not move forward, this is near or at the top of the list: EDGE board approves Parkside extension, three inner-city loans (behind paywall) https://dailymemphian.com/section/business/article/33052/memphis-edge-board-approves-parkside-at-shelby-farms

A few from downtown yesterday…